Dispenser assembly

ABSTRACT

A rigid package or dispenser assembly having multiple openings that can be used to dispense products in various ways. The openings may have different sizes so that different quantities of products may be dispensed through each opening. The lid of the dispenser assembly may include different portions and each opening may be associated with a different portion of the lid. The different portions of the lid may be connected by hinges.

PRIORITY DATA

The present patent application is a 371 of International Application Ser. No. PCT/US14/34295 filed Apr. 16, 2014, which claims benefit from Ser. No. 61/812,661 filed Apr. 16, 2013, now expired. The applications listed above are incorporated by reference from as if entirely restated herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The disclosure relates to a rigid package or dispenser assembly. More particularly, the disclosure relates to a dispenser assembly including a lid having multiple portions with one or more openings that can be used by a consumer to dispense products in various ways.

BACKGROUND

Consumers desire quick and convenient packaging that suit their everyday, busy lives. In general, consumers are looking for packaging options that can be used “on the go” and that provide functional benefits related to ease of use and consumption occasions. Consumers enjoy being able to travel with a convenient package that may be easily opened and provide various ways of dispensing a product.

In addition, packaging has been used throughout the gum and confection industry as a means for conveying product information to the consumer, appealing to consumer senses, and providing specific barrier properties to preserve the product in the packaging, such as a confection. Packaging is a unique way to appeal to consumers and provide a different experience. Convenience and ease of use are also important when designing a package.

Packaging of confectionery products provides consumers with a convenient package that is easy to use and delivers a fresh and enjoyable product for consumption. In more recent years, the packaging of products has been used to provide a unique experience for the consumer that fits a consumer's lifestyle throughout various occasions.

It is desirable to present an attractive and distinctive package, while at the same time being fully functional and appealable to the consumer for carrying. Packaging must also serve practical needs, such as keeping the products from being damaged during shipping, keeping the products fresh, and in some cases, providing a receptacle for retaining the product for continued consumption either during a one-time occasion, or over a prolonged period of time. Each of these considerations and factors impact the experience that the consumers have when enjoying chewing gum or other confections. Hence, packaging is an important component of the consumer's overall pleasure and satisfaction with a product.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to dispenser assemblies. The dispenser assemblies as provided in the present disclosure may be used in connection with consumables, including but not limited to confections, snack foods, or other readily dispensable products. The dispenser assemblies of the present disclosure provide multiple openings to dispense product to a consumer.

In one embodiment, a dispenser assembly is disclosed comprising a base portion defining a receptacle having a closed bottom portion and an opening in a top portion. The assembly further comprises a lid coupled to the base portion. The lid comprises a first portion, a second portion comprising a minor opening, and a third portion comprising a major opening. The first portion is coupled to the second portion by a first living hinge and the second portion is coupled to the third portion by a second living hinge. The first, second, and third portions further comprise securement members to releasably couple the first portion to the second portion and the second portion to the third portion.

In another embodiment, a dispenser assembly is disclosed comprising a base portion defining a receptacle having an opening for receiving products and a top portion coupled to the opening of the base portion forming a lid. The top portion has a first portion, a second portion and a third portion hingedly coupled to one another. The first portion is a lid member, the second portion is hingedly coupled between the first and third portion and defines a minor opening, and the third portion is hingedly coupled to the second portion and engages with the opening of the base portion to define a major opening for accessing the receptacle defined by the base portion.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims of this application. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other embodiments for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent embodiments do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The provided figures are exemplary in nature and are in no way intended to limit the disclosure. The figures are provided merely to exemplify various features of the presently disclosed dispenser assembly.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dispenser assembly in accordance with an embodiment of this disclosure and illustrates a lid in a fully closed position.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a dispenser assembly in accordance with an embodiment of this disclosure and illustrates a first portion of a lid in an open position.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a dispenser assembly in accordance with an embodiment of this disclosure and illustrates a first and second portion of a lid in an open and coupled position.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a dispenser assembly in accordance with an embodiment of this disclosure and illustrates a first and second portion of a lid in an open and uncoupled position.

FIG. 5 is a top view of a dispenser assembly in accordance with an embodiment of this disclosure and illustrates a first and second portion of a lid in an open and uncoupled position.

FIG. 6 is a perspective bottom view of a first, second, and third portion of a lid in an open and uncoupled position in accordance with an embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a perspective top view of a first, second, and third portion of a lid in an open and uncoupled position in accordance with an embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of a first, second, and third portion of a lid in an open and uncoupled position in accordance with an embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a side view of a first, second, and third portion of an inverted lid in an open and uncoupled position in accordance with an embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a side bottom view of a first, second, and third portion of a lid in an open and uncoupled position in accordance with an embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a cross-section view of a snap/catch location of a dispenser assembly in accordance with an embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a base portion of a dispenser assembly in accordance with an embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a side view of a base portion of a dispenser assembly in accordance with an embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a top view of a base portion of a dispenser assembly in accordance with an embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a front view of a base portion of a dispenser assembly in accordance with an embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a bottom view of a base portion of a dispenser assembly in accordance with an embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a dispenser assembly in accordance with an embodiment of this disclosure in a fully closed configuration.

FIG. 18 is a side view of a dispenser assembly in accordance with an embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 19 is a top view of a dispenser assembly in accordance with an embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 20 is a front view of a dispenser assembly in accordance with an embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 21 is a bottom view of a dispenser assembly in accordance with an embodiment of this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments are described below with reference to the drawings in which like elements generally are referred to by like numerals. The relationship and functioning of the various elements of the embodiments may better be understood by reference to the following detailed description. However, embodiments are not limited to those illustrated in the drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and in certain instances details may have been omitted that are not necessary for an understanding of embodiments disclosed herein, such as conventional fabrication and assembly.

The present disclosure generally relates to a dispenser assembly (which may also be referred to herein as a package assembly, a package, or a packaging). As can be seen throughout the drawing figures, the dispenser assembly (10) comprises a base portion (12) and a top portion (14), which may also be referred to as a lid or top member. The base portion (12) is configured to readily fit within the hand of a consumer for easy dispensing. The base portion (12), as shown in at least FIGS. 12-16, is defined by outer walls forming a receptacle (16) having a closed base and a top defining an opening (18) for receiving a product to be dispensed, such as a confection. The opening (18) of the base portion (12) is configured to be coupled to the lid (14). The lid (14) is configured such that it may be provided in various positions to provide alternate openings, as shown in at least FIGS. 2-8, 10, and 12, for dispensing of a product. More particularly, the lid (14) comprises or further integrates multiple living hinges (20,22) and securement members (38,40,42,44,46,48), as designated by FIGS. 2-11, to couple the first portion (24), second portion (26), and third portion (28) together. The living hinges (20,22) and securement members/catch members (38,40,42,44,46,48) enable relative movement of portions of the lid (14) to one another, such that consumers may readily gain access to products stored within the dispenser.

The dispenser assembly (10) further incorporates a lid (14), as shown in at least FIGS. 1, 11 and 17-21, that provides in one configuration a closed top as shown in FIG. 1. That is, in some embodiments, the first portion (24) of the lid (14) may not have any openings therein so as to prohibit the product from being dispensed.

In an additional embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the first portion (24) of the lid (14) may be opened by disengaging the cooperating securement members (38,46) on one side of the lid (14) to expose a minor opening (30) that allows for the dispensing of products, such as confections, in smaller quantities.

In an additional embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the lid (14) may be opened by disengaging the securement members (44,48) on the opposite side of the lid (14) to expose a major opening (32) that is relatively sized to reflect the opening (18) of the base portion (12) so that products may be dispensed in larger quantities.

Accordingly, the dispenser assembly (10) of the present disclosure provides the consumer with access to different sized openings depending on the side of the dispenser assembly (10) that is disengaged through the lid (14). More specifically, the lid (14) may comprise a first portion (24), a second portion (26), and a third portion (28) that are hingedly coupled together, through various living hinges (20,22) positioned between each of the portions (24,26,28) of the lid (14). In particular, the first portion (24) may form the lid (14) or section of the lid that does not include any openings therein. The second portion (26) is coupled between the first portion (24) and the third portion (28) and includes a minor opening or port (30) for dispensing product that is provided within the receptacle (16) of the base portion (12). The third portion (28) defines a major opening or port (32) and is configured such that it is received by the base portion (12) of the dispenser assembly (10).

The hingedly coupled portions (24,26,28) provide a convenience to the consumer such that depending on the desire of the consumer, they can access different sides of the package to open the dispenser assembly (10) and receive different amounts of the product(s) contained within the receptacle (16). The lid (14) further integrates cooperating securement members (38,40,42,44,46,48) that releasably secure the first portion (24) to the second portion (26), and the second portion (26) to the third portion (28). Further engagement means (not shown) couple the lid (14) to the opening (18) of the base portion (12) in a permanent, semi-permanent or releasable manner. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand the wide variety of engagement means that are available to couple a lid to an opening in a base portion, such as an adhesive, a snap-fit, or threads formed on each component so that the components may be “twisted” together.

In another embodiment, a dispenser assembly (10) is provided having a base portion (12) and a lid (14). The base portion (12) defines a receptacle (16) having an opening (18) for receiving one or more products. The lid (14) may be coupled to the opening (18) of the base portion (12). The lid (14) comprises a first portion (24), a second portion (26), and a third portion (28) hingedly coupled to one another.

The first portion (24) is a closure to prevent loss of the contents of the receptacle (16) when the lid (14) is in a full closed configuration. The second portion (26) is hingedly coupled to both the first portion (24) and the third portion (28) and comprises a minor opening (30) for accessing the products in receptacle (16). The third portion (28) is hingedly coupled to the second portion (26) and comprises a major opening (32) for accessing the products in receptacle (16). The third portion (28) further includes engagement means (such as clips, catches, tabs or other attaching devices) to couple the lid (14) to the base portion (12) in a permanent, semi-permanent or releasable manner.

The dimensions of the dispenser assembly and the various components thereof can be selected by one of ordinary skill in the art depending upon the type and quantity of product being stored therein. For example, the height of the dispenser assembly may measure from about 2 inches to about 5 inches, and any length within this range. The major opening and minor opening can also appropriately be sized by one of ordinary skill in the art depending upon the type of product being stored in the dispenser assembly. In some embodiments, the minor opening is smaller than the major opening. In some embodiments, the minor opening is about one-half of the size of the major opening. In other embodiments, the minor opening is less than one-half of the size of the major opening.

The dispenser assembly may take the form of any desired shape known in the art. For example, in some embodiments, the disperser assembly may have a shape selected from the group consisting of cubic, rectangular, cylindrical, conical and spherical. In some embodiments, the dispenser assembly may include an ergonomic contour. The ergonomic contour may include one or more thumb contours, hand contours, or separate finger contours.

The dispenser assembly may also include gripping surfaces on the exterior of the receptacle. The gripping surfaces may include a coating layer with a higher coefficient of friction than the rest of the assembly. Alternatively, the gripping surface may involve textured regions of the dispenser assembly. In an embodiment, gripping surfaces may be located an ergonomic contour area. In another embodiment, the gripping surface may be located on various other portions of the lid and/or the base portion, such as on a bottom surface of the base portion so as to provide a non-slip surface for the dispenser assembly.

Each component of the dispenser assembly (e.g. the lid, the base portion, etc.) may be formed from various materials known in the packaging industry, such as any plastic, thermoformable material, and/or metal. Illustrative, non-limiting examples of materials that may be used to manufacture the different components of the presently disclosed dispenser assembly include tin, aluminum, glass, thermoset plastics such as polyurethanes, polyesters, epoxy resins and phenolic resins, thermoplastics such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidine chloride, and polyethylene polymers comprising various metals, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE). In some aspects of the present disclosure, the lid (14) and/or base (12) (or any portion thereof) may be transparent or translucent to allow viewing of the contents of the dispenser assembly.

In some embodiments, the transparent or translucent material may comprise PET or a PVC-type material. The dispenser assembly may either be completely transparent or semi-transparent (i.e. translucent). In some embodiments, only a portion of the disperser assembly is transparent or translucent. In further embodiments, only a portion of a component, such as a portion of the lid or a portion of the base portion, is transparent or translucent. Any portion of the dispenser assembly may also be colored or frosted. The transparent or translucent portion of the dispenser assembly may enable a consumer to assess the amount of remaining product.

The products housed in the receptacle may be confectionery products, including such non-limiting examples as hard candies, gummy candies, mints, tablets, gum pellets, beads, liquid filled beads, chewy candy, chocolate, caramels, and gumballs. In some embodiments, the products may be snack foods, including such non-limiting examples as peanuts, nuts, pretzels, and salty snacks. In another embodiment, the products can be any other type of consumable product. For instance, the products can be cough drops or breath mints or other types of consumable products. In some embodiments, the receptacle may include combinations of products. It should also be appreciated that the receptacle may contain non-edible products of similar size and shape.

All of the compositions and methods disclosed and claimed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While this invention may be embodied in many different forms, there are described in detail herein specific embodiments. The present disclosure is an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiments illustrated. In addition, unless expressly stated to the contrary, use of the term “a” is intended to include “at least one” or “one or more.” For example, “a device” is intended to include “at least one device” or “one or more devices.”

Any ranges given either in absolute terms or in approximate terms are intended to encompass both, and any definitions used herein are intended to be clarifying and not limiting. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. Moreover, all ranges disclosed herein are to be understood to encompass any and all sub-ranges (including all fractional and whole values) subsumed therein.

Furthermore, the invention encompasses any and all possible combinations of some or all of the various embodiments described herein. It should also be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A dispenser assembly comprising: a base portion comprising outer walls defining a receptacle having a closed bottom portion and an opening in a top portion, and a lid coupled to the base portion, wherein the lid comprises: a first portion, a second portion comprising a minor opening, and a third portion comprising a major opening, the first portion coupled to the second portion by a first living hinge and the second portion coupled to the third portion by a second living hinge, wherein the first, second, and third portions further comprise securement members to releasably couple the first portion to the second portion and the second portion to the third portion.
 2. The dispenser assembly of claim 1, wherein the major opening of the third portion is substantially the same size as the opening in the top portion of the base portion.
 3. The dispenser assembly of claim 1, wherein the minor opening in the second portion is less than about one-half of the size of the major opening in the third portion.
 4. The dispenser assembly of claim 1, wherein the lid is coupled to the base portion in a manner selected from the group consisting of permanently, semi-permanently, and releasably.
 5. The dispenser assembly of claim 1, wherein the base portion, the lid, the living hinges, and the securement members comprise a thermoformable material.
 6. The dispenser assembly of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the lid is transparent.
 7. The dispenser assembly of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the base portion is transparent.
 8. The dispenser assembly of claim 1, wherein the base portion has a shape selected from the group consisting of cubic, rectangular, pyramidal, cylindrical, conical and spherical.
 9. The dispenser assembly of claim 1, further comprising one or more ergonomic contours.
 10. The dispenser assembly of claim 1, further comprising one or more gripping surfaces.
 11. The dispenser assembly of claim 10, wherein the gripping surface comprises a coating layer.
 12. The dispenser of claim 10, wherein the gripping surface comprises a textured region.
 13. The dispenser of claim 10, wherein a bottom surface of the base portion comprises the gripping surface.
 14. A dispenser assembly comprising: a base portion defining a receptacle having an opening for receiving products; and a top portion coupled to the opening of the base portion forming a lid, the top portion having a first portion, a second portion and a third portion hingedly coupled to one another wherein the first portion is a lid member, the second portion is hingedly coupled between the first and third portion and defines a minor opening, and the third portion is hingedly coupled to the second portion and engages with the opening of the base portion to define a major opening for accessing the receptacle defined by the base portion.
 15. The dispenser assembly of claim 14, wherein the major opening of the third portion is substantially the same size as the opening in the base portion.
 16. The dispenser assembly of claim 14, wherein the minor opening in the second portion is less than about one-half of the size of the major opening in the third portion.
 17. The dispenser assembly of claim 14, wherein at least a portion of the top portion is transparent.
 18. The dispenser assembly of claim 14, wherein at least a portion of the base portion is transparent. 